Newbie question -- what's enough video card?

[glee]

On my business computer, I am still using an NVIDIA RIVA TNT2 Model64 (DVI out), which I believe has 32mgs of standard ram and a 64mg interface.
This computer is never used for gaming, so I don't think 3D performance matters. It does get heavy photoshop, typesetting, and websurfing use, and I'm starting to edit videos on it.
It's a fast machine, with a Pentium4 1.6mhz processor and 384mgs of ddram.

Will I notice any difference if I upgrade to something like the Radeon 7500 or another more current video card? What would be improved?

 

[rudder]

You will get crisper 2d at a higher resolution. The Radeon 7500 would be a nice upgrade.

 

[Blurry]

TV-OUT functions along with DVD performance will be boosted dramatically. However, the RADEON 7500 is also very good for 3D gaming, so if you don't need any 3D acceleration, I suggest you pick something like a RADEON VE which is has everything the RADEON 7500 offers (Excellent 2D, Good TV-OUT, DUAL DVI) except the gaming power. Another plus for the VE is that it is only around $50, and so you could save money compared to the 7500.

 

[spanky]

radeon ve would be the best upgrade i think becuz u'll pretty much be dealing with 2d apps. my $.02

 

[glee]

Appreciate the help so far. As far as the VE goes, anandtech's review says
Thirdly, the RAMDAC on the Radeon VE is actually crippled when compared to the other Radeon cards. Many praise the Radeon DDR, SDR, and All-in-Wonder cards for their superior 2D image quality. This is most likely due to the fact that these cards use ATI's updated 360MHz RAMDAC to power 2D image output. The Radeon VE, on the other hand, uses a downgraded 300MHz RAMDAC. In our subjective tests, the Radeon VE possessed about the same image sharpness as the GeForce2 series cards, which many say is less crisp than the 2D output of the aforementioned Radeon cards.
So I think I should go with the 7500....

 

[azkiwi]

if you are just looking for 2D - have you considered Matrox?

 

[rbV5]

<< So I think I should go with the 7500.... >>



Good reasoning, good choice.

 

[*kjm]

If you are stqarting to edit videos on it you may want to look at the ATI ALL-IN-WONDER RADEON 7500 64MB AGP AIW . New egg is selling it for $165US newegg